When the chorus tell Oedipus of old rumours that suggest Laius was not killed by robbers what effect does this have in terms plot Rex?

When the chorus tells Oedipus of old rumors that suggest Laius was not killed by robbers, it has a profound effect on the plot of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. This revelation sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the unraveling of Oedipus' tragic fate.

Here are the key consequences of these rumors:

1. Doubts and Suspicions: The chorus's words plant seeds of doubt in Oedipus' mind. He begins to question the official story of Laius' death and wonders if there might be more to it than meets the eye. This sets him on a path of investigation to uncover the truth.

2. Quest for Truth: Driven by his curiosity and sense of justice, Oedipus embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the true circumstances of Laius' murder. He consults the seer Tiresias and seeks information from other witnesses, determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

3. Unforeseen Connections: As Oedipus delves deeper into his investigation, he starts to discover unexpected connections between himself, Laius, and the past. These connections hint at a dark and twisted fate that has been unfolding without his knowledge.

4. Tragic Irony: The rumors about Laius' death create a sense of tragic irony in the play. Oedipus, who is unknowingly the cause of Laius' death, is now driven to uncover the truth that will ultimately reveal his own guilt.

5. Catharsis and Reversal: The revelation of the truth about Laius' death leads to catharsis and reversal of fortune, which are central elements of Greek tragedy. Oedipus's downfall is brought about by his own actions and the consequences of his fate.

6. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: The rumors raise moral and ethical dilemmas for Oedipus. He must confront the possibility that he has committed terrible sins unknowingly, and he grapples with the consequences of his actions.

7. Dramatic Tension and Suspense: The introduction of these rumors heightens the dramatic tension and suspense in the play. The audience is kept on the edge as they witness Oedipus' desperate search for the truth and the inevitable unraveling of his destiny.

In essence, the rumors about Laius' death act as a catalyst for the main conflict and tragic events that befall Oedipus in the play. They set the stage for the exploration of themes such as fate, destiny, ignorance, and the consequences of human actions.